Step one: is it just you?
Look out of the window. Are the street lights on? Do the neighbours have lights? If the whole street is dark, it's almost certainly a network fault and nothing to do with your wiring.
If it's only your home, the problem is more likely to be inside: a tripped switch at the consumer unit, a prepayment meter that's run out of credit, or occasionally a fault with the supply to your property.
If it's the whole street: call 105
105 is the free national power cut number in England, Scotland and Wales. It puts you through to your local network operator, who can tell you what's happening and roughly when power should be back. In Northern Ireland, contact NIE Networks.
You can also usually check your network operator's website or social media for live updates.
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If it's just your home
Check your consumer unit for a tripped switch and reset it if it's safe to do so. If the main switch is on and nothing is tripped, check your meter – a prepayment meter may need topping up. If that's all fine and you still have no power, call 105: the problem may be with the supply cable or the network's fuse at your meter position, which belongs to them, not you.
Staying safe while you wait
- Use torches rather than candles where you can
- Switch off appliances that could come back on unattended, like irons and cookers
- Keep fridge and freezer doors closed to keep food cold for longer
- Leave one light on so you know when power returns
- Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours
